Other erstwhile stalwarts are also wavering. Southampton had two of the best full-backs in the league last season but Ryan Bertrand has been below par this season and Cédric Soares made an uncharacteristic lapse that led to Stoke’s winning goal in Southampton’s last outing.

Advocates for gay and lesbian issues suggest the increase in discharges reflects the hostility of the military towards homosexual soldiers and a growing number of "forced
outings" of gay and lesbian troops.